Assessment Learning Network Resources

This Learning Point describes some key characteristics of summative assessment and describes its role within a balanced assessment system.

This Learning Point explains questioning strategies as a powerful tool for teachers and students to collect and use information about student understanding in order to move learning forward.

This Learning Point summarizes the conditions necessary for effective use of formative assessment practices in a classroom, as originally described in a white paper by Margaret Heritage, Nancy Gerzon, and Marie Mancuso

This Learning Point provides an overview of the components of a balanced assessment system. 

This ThinkPoint describes what matrix sampling is, when it might be used, and some of the benefits and challenges of using it when assessing all students in a group may not be necessary.

This Learning Point raises awareness of how our common, century-old grading practices perpetuate achievement disparities, and describes the ways teachers and schools might move to more equitable grading practices.

The basics of assessment literacy are described in this Learning Point.

This ThinkPoint describes the importance of creating equitable education systems—including equitable assessment practices—in which all students have the support and resources they need to reach their full potential. It defines what we mean—and do not mean—by “equity in assessment” and proposes 10 Components of an Equitable Assessment System built on three Foundational Convictions that all schools should aspire to.

Formative assessment, as defined in the Michigan FAME program, is described in this Learning Point.

Interim benchmark assessments are described in this Learning Point.

The Learning Point briefly describes the six basic assessment understandings needed by educators.

The impact of the Next Generation Science Standards on science assessment is described in this Learning Point.